Bird flu from cats - a new global threat?

Expert: bird flu virus transmitted by cats could become dangerous for humans

The bird flu virus detected in domestic cats in European countries and the USA demonstrates an alarming ability for cross-species transmission and could pose a serious threat to humanity. This statement was made by Alexander Ginzburg, Director of the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology, in an interview with "Izvestia".

The expert warns that this pathogen is characterized by exceptional contagiousness and can cause severe disease progression. Ginzburg drew a parallel between a possible outbreak of this infection and the black smallpox epidemic, insisting on the urgent need to develop a prototype vaccine against the H5N1 strain.

"A vaccine prototype is needed. The mortality rate from infection with this virus is 50 to 70%, and if airborne transmission begins, black smallpox will seem harmless compared to the consequences of possible mutations," the scientist cautioned.

The specialist emphasized that the preparation must undergo clinical trials of the first and second phases to be ready for a situation when the virus begins to be transmitted not only from animals to humans but also between humans. Such a prototype will provide the opportunity, in case of a threat, to quickly - in just 3-4 weeks - organize mass production of the vaccine and introduce it into civilian circulation.

Nevertheless, Ginzburg noted that currently, such developments are not being conducted at the Gamaleya Center, and Russia lacks a comprehensive state program to coordinate the efforts of scientists and manufacturers of vaccines of this type.

The bird flu outbreak has already engulfed the United States, where the virus has spread to poultry farms, causing mass deaths of birds. In several regions of the country, there is a shortage of eggs.

Bird flu is an acute viral disease affecting the respiratory and digestive systems of birds. The infection is characterized by high mortality and has the potential for transmission to humans.